I have a personal story to share. In 2015, my son Doug reminded me that I used to write poems about his class at the end of every elementary school year. I had forgotten about that side of myself, but the recovery began almost instantaneously—and I started writing poetry again.
It’s okay to be different. To be unique. To be your own person. No need to follow a trend. No need to achieve greatness, but YES to doing your absolute best at whatever you’re doing. Kindness and sincerity are what attract me to my friends. Listening is my content. It wakes me up when I meet someone who is “that”. We’re in it together. Paying attention. Me to them. Them to me.
After a fulfilling and fun four years, I have made the decision to transition from Gluten Free Sage to solely writing poetry. I have loved every second of it and am incredibly grateful, as Gluten Free Sage is what opened me to writing and creating things I love in the first place.
Today is April 30 and the last day of National Poetry Month. I’ve been excited to celebrate this monthlong event for many reasons: First, I love poetry—in all its manifestations! Second, it healed me. Third, I met my personal goal to self-publish two illustrated poetry books. And for so many other reasons; especially that poetry helps us to understand each other and gives us a sense of all the beauty in the world.
We’re all colorful mosaics. Each and every one of us made up of pieces of life experiences—the places we’ve been, the people we meet, the things we love; feelings of happiness and sadness, tops of Rocky Mountains and rock bottoms, moments of spontaneous elation and unexpected surprises; smiles, hugs, kisses; the walks we take, the poems we read, Sunrays and Sundays—that when combined, are what make us unique individuals.
Last week I attended the Mark My Words opening reception at the Palm Beach Cultural Council. This art exhibit features artists in Palm Beach County that use words as their subject matter and muse, including two collaborations with Kimberly K. Taylor-Pestell and Kristen Alden from my poetry book Sage Words. A gratifying manifestation of the art of health and happiness!
When I first contacted Kristen about the book, she knew just who to call. Kimberly heard us, felt us, and hand-lettered these gorgeous illustrations for my poems “Jade” and “Dimples”.